June 14, 2024

Dear UAF students, faculty and staff,

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Michael Whalen, professor in the Department of Geosciences at UAF’s College of Natural Science and Mathematics.

Whalen joined the UAF faculty in 1995. As a researcher in the Geophysical Institute, his work helped provide insight into the pacing of events in Earth's history and led to better calibration of the geologic time scale. In addition to his research and instruction of UAF students, Whalen served on committees for several graduate students, was very active in the Folk School, and taught a class on the geology of wine.

If you or someone you know is struggling with this loss, please don’t struggle alone. Free help is available.

For students, the Student Health and Counseling Center can provide support or counseling. Call 907-474-7043 to speak with someone, or, for more information, visit the student counseling services webpage. Employees are eligible for free counseling through the Employee Assistance Program. Please call 1-888-969-0155, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Sincerely,

Dan White, chancellor